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Fire Protection in Blocks of Flats – Pt 2a – Effective Compartmentation
Compartmentation is a method of fire separation within blocks of flats which is essential. A fire risk assessment will take into account the standard and maintenance of the compartmentation in a block and how effectively it would prevent the spread of fire between individual flats, flats and common areas and those areas and utility areas such as plant or boiler rooms.
Fire Protection in Blocks of Flats – Pt One - An introduction to structural fire protection
Structural fire protection within a block of flats is perhaps the most effective tool against fire spread, damage to the building and potential loss of life. A new-build block will adhere to all current fire safety legislation and guidance and, in theory, this will guide the design and provide adequate fire protection.
Managing Fire Risk - Heating and ventilation systems in blocks of flats
In recently constructed blocks of flats, heating and ventilation systems are installed with common areas and each flat having completely separate systems. In older buildings, however, it can be the case that a communal ducted heating system may still be in place, or there may be shared extract systems in bathrooms or kitchens. This type of shared facility compromises the effective compartmentation of each flat and between the flats and the common areas and therefore poses an increased risk of fire spread.
Managing Fire Risk – The dangers of recycling and electrical equipment
The last few blogs have concentrated on managing fire risks within blocks of flats, particularly in communal areas and corridors. We have established that on occasion, a Landlord can operate a successful ‘managed use’ policy, which allows residents some use of common corridors for personal items, but that many prefer the simpler and most effective ‘zero tolerance’ policy.
Managing Fire Risk in Blocks of Flats – Managed Use in Common Areas
Last week’s blog looked at the two main methods of controlling resident placing of objects in common areas and corridors that may become a fire hazard or an escape hazard. We established that the “Zero Tolerance” method was the simplest in terms of keeping areas clear, but we also looked at how many landlords wish to adopt a more flexible approach. This week we will look more closely at those situations where a managed use policy can be implemented successfully and how to accomplish it.
